England seeks redemption against Scotland in Calcutta Cup clash

In England, the rugby rivalry between England and Scotland has reached a boiling point as they prepared to clash for the Calcutta Cup on February 17, 2025. England, having suffered four consecutive defeats against Scotland since the Cup's retention by their rivals in 2021, approached this match with optimism after a recent 26-25 victory over France, which bolstered their confidence. Players like Alex Mitchell expressed their frustrations regarding the losing streak, highlighting the emotional weight of this fixture. With the match ahead, England was eager to showcase their potential and break the cycle of disappointment that has plagued them in recent years. Ben Earl, another influential player, detailed the emotional impact of rewatching previous losses to Scotland, emphasizing how these experiences fueled their desire for redemption. Preparation efforts included studying game footage to identify areas for improvement and strategizing on how to overcome their historical struggles against Scotland. England's head coach, Steve Borthwick, retained both Fin Smith and Marcus Smith in key positions for this match, believing that their recent success would pave the way for better performances against Scotland. Earl noted that the competitive atmosphere in training sessions had intensified, driven by the team's goal to revert their fortunes. England's commitment to addressing past mistakes was reflected in their training and mindset as they sought to regain the Calcutta Cup. The combination of feeling